There have been multiple points in GM's history where the automaker has completely dropped the ball on a product either by adding low quality into its products as a built-in feature that comes at no additional cost or by copying the Germans to an extent that one of its brands loses its identity. Cadillac has committed this sin before so it must tread lightly as it advances on Mercedes and BMW with its latest flagship model, the CT6. The CT6 is an impressive competitor that's new to the segment, but that may not be enough.
With BMW working on an electric 7 Series and Mercedes doing the same with its S-Class sedan, Cadillac knows that it needs to make a move or risk getting left behind again. With a $12 billion rebranding project already at stake, Cadillac can't afford to get left behind, so it's finally debuted the plug-in CT6 sedan that it's been working on for months. It goes on sale in spring 2017, and given that many of this generation's electric cars offer competitive performance specifications, engineers ensured that the CT6 hybrid isn't lacking in this area. As such, the sedan can do 65 MPGe over a total range of 400 miles, 30 of which can be done under electric motivation alone as long as speeds don't top 78 mph.
Two electric motors supplying 100 horsepower each will supplement the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a system total of 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque. According to Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen, the CT6's lightweight nature makes it perfect for a hybrid drivetrain. "The CT6 is a technological showcase throughout, and by far the lightest car in its class, making it an ideal platform for electrification," says Nysschen. Packaging this kind of performance in a lightweight package means there's plenty of performance on tap. From a standstill, the CT6 plug-in hybrid can reach 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds, on par with V6 offerings.
If range isn't a concern, the CT6 will even reach speeds of 150 mph, a number relevant to buyers that want to pay the German autobahn a visit. When the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid hits the dealerships, don't expect to find one for under $75,095 with an additional $995 destination charge. Depending on local jurisdictions or on President Trump's new energy policy, that price may be subject to tax breaks and incentives given to green cars. To help incentivize buyers, Cadillac makes sure that no CT6 Plug-In Hybrid is sold without at least getting the standard features offered on the Premium Luxury models of the CT6, meaning night vision cameras, a rear camera mirror, and rear seat entertainment come standard.
